A pioneering project in the Highlands is giving unwanted electrical items a second chance at life.
The Highland Council has opened a new reuse facility at the Nairn Household Waste Recycling Centre, inviting locals to drop off working gadgets and appliances so they can be refurbished and rehomed.
Everything from mobile phones and laptops to toasters, tablets and tellies can now be handed in, provided they’re still in good working order.
Once donated, the items are collected by ILM Highland, a social enterprise based in Alness that specialises in electrical recycling and reuse.
Each item is cleaned and tested before heading to ILM’s retail shop or online store, with proceeds helping to fund home improvement services for vulnerable people across the region.
The project is backed by a £135,000 boost from the Scottish Government’s Recycling Improvement Fund, awarded to The Highland Council and ILM Highland to champion a more circular approach to electronic waste.
Councillor Graham MacKenzie, Chair of the Communities and Place Committee, praised the launch of what he described as a Scottish first.
“This new reuse facility is the first of its kind in Scotland and I’m proud of what we’ve achieved with support from the Small Grants Fund,” he said.
“By making it easier for folk to donate tech for reuse, we’re cutting carbon, saving rare materials, and creating local jobs, it’s a big win for everyone.”
ILM Highland CEO Martin MacLeod echoed the sentiment, adding that the scheme helps tackle digital exclusion while diverting good kit from the skip.
“This gives people a convenient way to pass on working devices, and those donations make a real difference,” he said.
“Each item reused supports our wider mission of helping households in need and protecting our environment.”
David Gunn from Zero Waste Scotland said it was encouraging to see circular economy ideas being put into practice in rural areas.
“Making reuse and recycling more accessible to remote communities is key,” he said.
“This initiative is doing just that, while playing a vital role in reducing waste across the Highlands.”
The scheme will soon expand to three more recycling centres, offering even more people the chance to donate reusable domestic appliances.
A new van funded by the grant is also helping ILM Highland run monthly electrical collections in communities with fewer recycling options.
Locals donating smart devices are reminded to back up their data, delete personal information and reset devices to factory settings before handing them over.
Opening hours and full details of the Nairn Recycling Centre can be found by clicking HERE
